Spots List

Mt. Tsukuba

A beloved symbol of the region, this mountain is known for its two distinct peaks. Though relatively easy to climb, it offers a majestic presence overlooking the vast plains. With a cable car and ropeway available, anyone can easily reach the summit to enjoy views that stretch to the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji on clear days. Its night views are officially recognized among Japan’s most beautiful.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kodokan

Founded in 1841, this was the largest samurai academy in Japan during the Edo period. It was a center for a wide range of studies, including medicine, astronomy, and martial arts. The historic gates and halls preserve the solemn atmosphere of ancient education. Surrounded by hundreds of plum trees, it is a place where one can deeply feel the intellectual and spiritual roots of the samurai.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsumugi no Yakata

Tsumugi no Yakata

This cultural center is dedicated to Yuki-tsumugi, a high-quality silk fabric registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Set in a cluster of historic storehouses, it allows visitors to learn the painstaking hand-weaving process and even try weaving themselves. It is a refined space where traditional craftsmanship meets modern elegance, complete with a beautiful garden and café.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Osugi-jinja Shrine

Osugi-jinja Shrine

Nicknamed "Anba-sama," this shrine is famous for its incredibly ornate, multicolored architecture, often compared to the famous shrines of Nikko. It is uniquely known as a "shrine of dreams," where people come to pray for their wishes to come true, particularly in luck and prosperity. The vibrant, festive atmosphere of the grounds provides a visual feast of Japanese religious artistry.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu Shrine

Hitachi no Kuni Soshagu Shrine

A shrine with over a thousand years of history, serving as the spiritual heart of the region. It is central to one of the largest festivals in the Kanto area, featuring massive lion masks and ornate floats. The grounds hold deep historical significance and offer a quiet, dignified atmosphere, blending ancient traditions with a sense of local pride that spans generations.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Itako Gion Festival

Itako Gion Festival

A vibrant festival with over 800 years of history, held in a charming riverside town. Fourteen massive floats topped with giant historical figures are paraded through the streets to the rhythm of traditional music. The energy is infectious, especially at night when lanterns light up the floats. It is a powerful way to experience the living traditions and communal spirit of rural Japan.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer

Ryugasaki Tsukumai

Ryugasaki Tsukumai

A thrilling traditional performance where an acrobat climbs a 14-meter pole to perform daring stunts at the very top. With over 400 years of history, this ritual is a prayer for rain and a successful harvest. Watching the performer balance and perform without safety lines is a heart-stopping experience that showcases the courage and ancient traditions preserved by the local community.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer

Hitachi City

A science and industrial city facing the Pacific, famous as the birthplace of a global tech giant. Its train station is world-renowned for its stunning glass architecture that appears to float over the sea. In spring, the city is transformed by a tunnel of cherry blossoms along its main roads. With its blend of ocean views, science museums, and hilltop parks, it is a modern city with a scenic heart.

Ibaraki
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Howa-en Garden

A historic Japanese garden originally named by a legendary Tokugawa lord. It is best known for its spectacular "Hydrangea Festival" in early summer, when 6,000 bushes of 100 different varieties bloom across the rolling terrain. The contrast between the lush greenery and the colorful flowers creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quiet walk through traditional landscape beauty.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kokaigawa Fureai Park

Kokaigawa Fureai Park

Against the backdrop of Mount Tsukuba, this park features a massive field of poppies along the riverbed. In late May, millions of red poppies bloom, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sky and the mountain silhouette. It is a popular spot for picnics and photography, offering a peaceful landscape that exemplifies the pastoral beauty of the Japanese countryside.

Ibaraki
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Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Hinuma

A rare brackish lake where fresh and salt water mix, recognized internationally as a significant wetland for migratory birds and diverse fish. It is a haven for nature lovers, offering birdwatching, camping, and fishing. The lake is also famous for its large, flavorful clams. At dusk, the golden reflection of the sun on the water creates a serene and magical atmosphere.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kasama Azalea Park

Kasama Azalea Park

Located on a hill overlooking a town famous for its pottery, this park is home to 8,500 azalea bushes. In spring, the entire hill is dyed in vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple. A path through the flowers leads to the summit, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town. It is a beautiful blend of floral scenery and the local "Kasama-yaki" ceramic culture.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Shizumine Furusato Park

Shizumine Furusato Park

Recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots, this park is famous for its "Yae-zakura" (double-layered cherry blossoms). These bloom later than the common varieties, appearing as fluffy pink pom-poms that cover the trees in late April. With its spacious lawns and nighttime illuminations, it is a perfect place to enjoy the Japanese spring at a more relaxed pace.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Sakai Nanohana Festival

Sakai Nanohana Festival

A spring celebration where the banks of the Tone River are covered in a brilliant yellow carpet of rapeseed blossoms. The sight of the yellow flowers stretching toward the horizon under a vast sky is a quintessential image of a Japanese spring. The festival atmosphere with local stalls and events makes it a joyful place to enjoy the fresh river breeze and the arrival of the new season.

Ibaraki
Nature
Festivals & Events
Spring

Kamine Park

A hilltop complex combining a zoo, two amusement parks, and an observation deck with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The night view from this park is officially recognized as one of Japan's best, showcasing the twinkling lights of the industrial coast. In spring, 1,000 cherry trees bloom, making it a favorite local spot for family fun and romantic evening strolls.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Fukuoka Weir

One of the most scenic cherry blossom spots in the region, featuring a 1.8km tunnel of 450 cherry trees along a historic dam. The branches lean over the water, creating a stunning reflection, and as the petals fall, they form a "flower raft" on the river's surface. It is a peaceful place to experience the quintessential beauty of a quiet Japanese spring away from the crowds.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Sakura of Manabe Elementary School

Sakura of Manabe Elementary School

Standing in the center of an elementary school playground are five massive cherry trees over 100 years old. These trees are a symbol of the community, having watched over generations of children. During peak bloom, the school opens its gates so visitors can witness these giants. It represents a classic Japanese scene: the deep connection between schools, history, and the beauty of the cherry blossom.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Koga Peach Blossom Festival

Koga Peach Blossom Festival

Known as the "Home of Peaches," this park hosts a festival featuring 1,500 ornamental peach trees. Unlike cherry blossoms, these flowers bloom in deep, vivid shades of pink, red, and white, creating a scene like a traditional Asian paradise. The festival is a lively event with local food and performances, celebrating the colorful and fragrant arrival of spring.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring

Suigo Itako Ayame Garden

Suigo Itako Ayame Garden

This riverside garden is home to a million irises of 500 varieties, which bloom beautifully in early summer. The highlight is the traditional "Bridal Boat" ceremony, where a bride in a white kimono is rowed across the canal in a wooden boat. The sight of the purple flowers and the slow-moving boats captures the timeless, romantic atmosphere of Japan’s traditional water districts.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Summer

Miyayama Furusato Fureai Park

Miyayama Furusato Fureai Park

An outdoor park offering camping and sports with a magnificent view of Mount Tsukuba. It is particularly famous for its late-summer sunflower festival, where a golden field of "double-petal" sunflowers blooms with the mountain in the background. With a local museum and pottery workshops nearby, it is a great spot to experience both the nature and the cultural heritage of the area.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Summer

Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture, stretching along the majestic Pacific coast, is a captivating region where nature, history, and culture thrive in harmony. The prefecture is home to world-class seasonal wonders, including the ethereal nemophila and kochia fields at Hitachi Seaside Park, the graceful plum blossoms of Kairakuen—one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens—and the thundering Fukuroda Falls. Visitors can wander through the historic streets of Hitachiota or enjoy vibrant summer fireworks and sandy beaches. As a premier agricultural hub, Ibaraki also offers a "gourmet paradise" featuring succulent melons, Hitachi Wagyu beef, and fresh seafood. With hot spring retreats scattered throughout, Ibaraki provides...

Ibaraki
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mito City

The capital of Ibaraki is a city where Edo-period history harmonizes with modern culture. Once a thriving castle town for the Mito Tokugawa family, it boasts historic sites that reflect the samurai spirit, such as a vast landscape garden and an ancient hall of education. With a scenic lake offering seasonal events, it serves as the perfect hub to explore history and local food culture.

Ibaraki
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine

Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine

Standing on a cape facing the Pacific, this shrine is world-famous for its "Torii of the Divine Shore" perched on a rocky reef in the ocean. The sight of waves crashing against the gate is awe-inspiringly divine, especially at sunrise. Beyond the spiritual atmosphere, the surrounding town offers fresh seafood and modern pop-culture landmarks, blending nature’s energy with Japanese spirituality.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kashima Jingu Shrine

Kashima Jingu Shrine

Said to be founded in 660 BC, this is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious shrines. Dedicated to the deity of martial arts, it has long been revered by samurai seeking victory. The sprawling grounds feature a mystical spring, a legendary "keystone" believed to suppress earthquakes, and a forest-shrouded path that purifies the soul with its sacred, ancient air.

Ibaraki
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter